Shower or Bathtub?
One of the biggest questions that haunts us in bathroom reform or design is whether we should put in a shower or a bathtub.
It’s a common question because both of the options have their advantages and disadvantages. On top of that, we aren’t always sure of what we want.
Before we get started, we just want to say that a bathtub isn’t better than a shower nor the other way around.
Different elements simply have different qualities and your better option depends on your lifestyle, bathroom habits and family.
In today’s article, we hope to help you choose the bathroom that’s better suited to your needs and habits. We’ll explain the advantages and disadvantages of both bathtubs and showers.
Shower
If you have a small bathroom, the choice between a bathtub or shower is a little more obvious – shower.
Showers work perfectly for small areas or if you wanted to use the space for something else.
The size of a shower base is its advantage; a standard base is 70 x 70 cm.
If you have space but like the idea of a shower stall, you can browse bigger bases or big project options.
Other advantages of a shower include:
- Saving time.
- Less water use in comparison to a bathtub.
- Easy access as showers are generally ground level, which is convenient for the elderly. Adapting a shower for people with reduced mobility is also infinity easier than adapting a bathtub.
- More energizing in the mornings.
However, disadvantages include:
- Design might not be as beautiful or special as a bathtub.
- Not an attractive option for children for bathtime.
- Some shower models waste a lot of water, especially the jet stream varieties. Consider how much water showers could use in order to choose the most efficient model.
Bathtubs
Bathtubs are a perfect option for bigger bathrooms, remember that a normal-sized tub is 70 x 140 cm. However, you can always find bigger ones.
There are several advantages of having a bathtub, such as:
- A bathtub itself is a decorative piece. There are so many designs ranging from simple to more unique ones.
- We think of this image: a bathtub full of bubbles and us, in it, relaxing. Bathtubs make this a reality, meaning that they’re more relaxing than showers.
- Perfect for children as they become a play area during bathtime.
But bathtubs also have their disadvantages. They:
- Take up more space.
- Use more water.
- Have more complicated access for the elderly or people with reduced mobility.
Tips for choosing between a shower and bathtub
If you’re still unsure after reading about the advantages and disadvantages of the two options, we hope that this helps.
Space
First off, think of the space that you have available. Will a bathtub fit in your bathroom? Is there only room for a shower? or Can you have both?
When space is the eliminating factor, we have to decide which is best. Using a color such as white can make the space seem bigger.
The formula is simple:
Small = shower
Big = bathtub
Very big = both
Family
What’s your family like? Do you have a lot of people in your family? Do you have any kids or elderly members? Do you live alone or with your partner?
Thinking about these questions will help you understand your needs and bathing habits, and help you make a better decision.
Economy
When choosing between a bathtub and shower you also have to consider your economic situation. As you’ve read earlier, one of the two options uses less water than the other.
If you don’t want surprises later on in your water bill, and if you want to control your monthly water use, go with the shower. On the same note, if you care about the environment, the shower is a more ideal option.
If you’re not worried about the money, you can most definitely stick with the bathtub.
Conclusion
Choosing between a bathtub and a shower isn’t always an easy decision, especially when it implies a big home project that’ll involve plumbing work.
In light of that, you should really think about and analyze your family’s situation and your needs.
Remember that neither one is worse than the other; they’re just different and suit different needs.